• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-459941186445
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "malaysia/kuching",
  "destination": "Kuching",
  "title": "kuching",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Kuching",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "country": "Malaysia",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Kuching

It's easy to see why the colonialist ruler Raja Brooke chose this spot for his capital. Hugging the curves of the languid Sungai Sarawak, Kuching was an ideal trading post between other Asian sea ports and Borneo's interior. It's still a gateway to both jungle and sea, and Kuching’s proximity to national parks makes it the ideal base for day trips to wild coastal and rainforest destinations.

Sarawak river in Kuching

Getty Images/Moment RF

Book
Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Travel Guide
Book

Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei

Shop $25.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

Holafly advertisement
Trusted Partner

Stay connected in Kuching

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-55868297389
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "malaysia/kuching",
  "destination": "Kuching",
  "title": "kuching",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Kuching",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "country": "Malaysia",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Kuching

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-353928104699
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "malaysia/kuching",
  "destination": "Kuching",
  "title": "kuching",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Kuching",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "country": "Malaysia",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}